Photo: Chelsea FC

Chelsea new boy Antonio Rudiger has revealed that he started his career as a striker while he was still a youngster.

“I started off as a striker but that changed at the age of 16. Before I was not a tall guy. I was small. So I used to play on the wings or as a striker, then at the age of 16 I started growing and the coach decided to let me play in defence,” Rudiger said.

“Compared to then, there are different types of strikers now. Strong strikers, fast strikers, technical guys. Football has changed.

“I liked Thierry Henry. He was a good player. He played for Arsenal but he was a good player! But I am now a defender and was a striker.”

The centre-back joined Chelsea this summer from Roma for a fee worth £34 million and he was chased by the Blues for two seasons. An injury last summer made Chelsea to back out from the deal.